Conduit coupling assembly

ABSTRACT

A conduit coupling assembly is provided for interconnecting a pair of fluid conveying members placed in a confronting relationship within the coupling assembly. The coupling assembly includes a longitudinally split coupler having a pair of coupling halves rotatable about a hinge. A plurality of engagement members are mounted on the respective coupling halves for connecting the coupling halves. Electrical conductivity is maintained across the coupling assembly by a bonding wire on each of the coupling halves. Each bonding wire provides multiple points of contact with the metallic flanges of the fluid carrying members. Optionally, the flanges of the fluid carrying members and the coupling assembly may be coated with a conductive coating thereby providing a redundant means to prevent buildup of an electrostatic charge.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to couplings for interconnecting a pair ofconfronting tubular members, and more particularly, to a conduitcoupling assembly for interconnecting confronting ends of fluidconveying conduits.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are a number of prior art couplings which are used forinterconnecting various types of fluid conveying lines or conduits.Depending upon the type of fluid to be conveyed, the prior art couplingsmay be designed to handle special safety requirements. Particularly forconduits which convey fuel, there is always a concern for designing acoupling so that an electrostatic charge does not build up on one of thecoupled sections of the line. A stored electrostatic charge may giverise to the hazard of an electrical spark in the presence of vaporizedfuel. Discharge of the spark by grounding, or by flexing of the couplingin such a manner to bring metallic parts of the coupling into contactwith one another may cause instantaneous combustion of any vaporizedfuel which in turn can cause ignition of the fuel conveyed in the lines.Buildup of an electrostatic charge by ionization of fuel as it isconveyed through the fuel lines can be referred to as a static buildupof an electric charge. Lightening strikes can also create a spark, andsuch strikes are commonly referred to as dynamic causes for creating anelectrical charge. Thus, a coupling should also have the capability todissipate a dynamic electrical charge, such as one caused by alightening strike. Particularly for lightening strikes, it is importantthat the coupling have the capability to very quickly dissipate theelectrical charge due to the potential magnitude of a spark caused bythe lightening strike.

Despite the advances in coupling designs, most fluid conveying linesstill utilize metallic flanges which are sealed to the coupling bydeformable o-rings. These type of sealing rings may electricallyinsulate the coupled sections of the line from each other, thus anyionization of fuel that flows through the lines may give rise to adifferential electrostatic charge between the coupled sections.Accordingly, there is still a need to ensure electrical conductivityacross the coupled sections of the fuel lines to prevent electrostaticbuildup.

Various types of electrical jumpers, also known as bonding jumpers, havebeen used in coupling designs to eliminate the hazard of differentialelectrostatic charges. A bonding jumper simply provides an electricallyconductive connection between the coupled sections of line to preventbuildup of a charge. Two basic types of electrical jumpers includeexteriorly and interiorly mounted jumpers. Externally mounted jumperstypically include a piece of flexible metal or cable which is detachablysecured to the metallic flanges which are fixed to the adjacent ends ofthe coupled sections. In many of these prior art exteriorly mountedelectrical jumpers, the jumpers themselves require some degree ofassembly and disassembly which therefore makes it more difficult toefficiently couple and uncouple the fuel lines.

There are also a number of prior art references which discloseinteriorly mounted bonding jumpers. Some of these jumpers are leafspring types which are mounted within the coupling and placed in contactagainst the flanges, therefore maintaining electrical conductivitybetween the flanges of the fluid conveying lines. One particulardisadvantage with many types of interiorly mounted bonding jumpers isthat there is no means to visually inspect whether the bonding jumpersare properly positioned to make firm contact with the flanges.

Another method of preventing buildup of an electrostatic charge is theuse of conductive coatings which maybe applied to the coupling assemblyand to the flanges of the fluid conveying members. Examples ofreferences disclosing electrically conductive coatings are the U.S. Pat.Nos. 5,786,976 and 5,959,828.

By the foregoing, it is apparent that there still is a need for acoupling assembly which ensures electrical conductivity across adjacentends of fluid conveying members in a manner which is easy for a user toconfirm that the coupling assembly, to include the bonding jumper, isproperly installed. Therefore, one of the objects of the presentinvention is to provide a coupling assembly of a simple yet reliabledesign which ensures electrical conductivity across the coupling toprevent electrostatic buildup between coupled sections of lines.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, a conduit coupling assembly isprovided which includes a pair of arcuate coupling halves that arejoined at a hinge, and are placed in a locking position to joinconfronting ends of a pair of fluid conveying members. The generaldesign for the coupling assembly of the present invention may bereferred to as a threadless, clam-shell type coupling. The couplingassembly joins the flanges of the fluid conveying members in theconventional manner whereby the coupling halves extend circumferentiallyaround the flanges, and the flanges each have at least one sealingmember in the form of an o-ring or seal which is seated against theinterior surfaces of the respective coupling halves. An electrical orbonding jumper is provided on each coupling half in the form of acontinuous wire which spans the coupling half and provides multiplepoints of contact with both flanges of the fluid conveying members. Thebonding jumpers are also positioned in contact with the group ofcomponents which couple the coupling halves. Thus, the redundant pointsof contact at various locations along the coupling ensure electricalconductivity across the coupling.

The bonding jumpers of the present invention are exteriorly mountedwhich enable the jumpers to be inspected with ease. Additionally, sincethe bonding jumpers are integrally designed with the components whichlock the coupling assembly during use, there are no additional stepsrequired to secure the bonding jumpers for placing the coupling inoperation.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is the use of a pluralityof opposing engagement members which are biased to hold the couplingassembly in a locked position. By using a redundant number of engagementmembers, inadvertent actuation of one of the engagement members will notresult in uncoupling of the coupling assembly; rather, multiple pointsof pressure or force must be applied in uniform directions against theengagement members in order to uncouple the coupling assembly. In thepreferred embodiment, each coupling half has a pair of engagementmembers.

Each of the other working or moving parts of the coupling assembly areexteriorly mounted which further allows for easy visual inspection andrepair if required.

In addition to the conductive path across the coupling assembly by useof the bonding jumpers, current can also travel directly across thejoined coupling halves by use of conductive coatings placed on thecoupling halves. Thus, there are redundant conductive paths to preventelectrostatic charge buildup.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will become apparentfrom a review of the detailed description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the conduit coupling assembly of thepresent invention shown as interconnecting a pair of fluid conveyingmembers;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the conduit coupling assembly placed inthe uncoupled or open position, also illustrating a pair of flangesseparated from their respective lines, and an annular sleeve whichspaces the flanges within the coupling assembly;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view illustrating the coupling assembly inthe locked or coupled position;

FIG. 4 is a vertical section taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3 illustratingfurther details of the present invention to include the manner in whichthe flanges of the fluid conveying lines are sealed within the couplingassembly;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged plan view illustrating the hinge of the couplingassembly;

FIG. 6 is a elevation view of the present invention showing the couplingassembly in the open position;

FIG. 7 is another elevation view showing the coupling assembly in thelocked position;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the couplingassembly illustrating details of the engagement members;

FIG. 8 a illustrates a greatly enlarged engagement member and a greatlyenlarged spring used to bias the engagement member; and

FIGS. 9-12 are greatly enlarged fragmentary vertical sectionsillustrating the manner in which the engagement members are positionedto place the coupling assembly in the locked position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to the drawings and particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, thethreadless, clam-shell type conduit coupling assembly of the presentinvention is generally indicated at 10. The coupling comprises a pair ofcoupling halves 12 which are hingedly connected at hinge 14. Each of thecoupling halves terminate along a longitudinally extending face 15.These faces define the free ends of the coupling halves which are placedin a confronting position to lock the coupling and to thereby secure theconfronting ends of the fluid conveying members 24. The coupling halvesare curved and traverse an arc of approximately 180°. On the exterior orexposed sides of the coupling halves at the transverse ends or edgesthereof, each includes a pair of shoulders 16 interconnected by a web18. On the interior sides of the coupling halves, each includes a pairof closely spaced annular walls 20 defining a groove therebetween whichreceives a portion of a bonding jumper/wire 22. Each coupling halffurther includes a pair of engagement members 30 mounted adjacent theface 15. Each engagement member 30 is secured over a correspondingsupport bar on the opposing coupling half to place the coupling in thelocked position, as further discussed below. The bonding wires areindicated at 22 for each coupling half. Each bonding wire 22 is acontinuous piece of conductive wire which has its free ends secured tothe hinge plate 56 as further discussed below.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, the fluid conveying members 24 usable withthe coupling of the present invention are of the conventional type. Eachmember 24 includes a reinforced conduit member 26 and a metallic flange28 which is secured at the end of the conduit member 26. An annularchannel or groove 29 is formed in each flange 28 to receive an o-ring(FIG. 4). Although the figures illustrate a particular type of fluidconveying members 24, the present invention is not specifically limitedto use with only this type.

As best seen in FIG. 4, the sleeve 68 spans or bridges the space betweenthe opposed end faces of flanges 28, and the sleeve 68 peripherallysurrounds and seats against the seal rings 50. Grooves 29 formed in theflanges are sufficiently shallow so that the outer peripheral edges ofseal rings 50 protrude radially beyond the outer peripheral surface ofthe flanges, and the seal rings 50 are consequently deformed against thesmooth, cylindrical inner periphery of sleeve 68. In this manner,sealing rings 50 establish a fluid tight seal between flanges 28 andsleeve 68. Optionally, the outer periphery of sleeve 68 may be roughenedin a suitable manner to enable a person to grip the sleeve more firmlyin the course of assembling the sleeve 68 over the flanges 28.Alternatively, the outer peripheral surface of sleeve 68 may be providedwith corrugations to provide the desired gripping surface which keepssleeve from slipping in the user's hand as one forces the sleeve overthe seal rings 50. As also shown in FIG. 1, each of the coupling halvesinclude a sight opening 66 which allows the user to visually inspectwhether the annular sleeve 68 is in place.

As can be appreciated by a review of FIG. 4, the coupling of the presentinvention provides both an axial and an angular adjustment between theflanges thereby allowing the flanges to be located anywhere between themaximum extensions of the sleeve 68. Accordingly, the flanges 28 may bespaced from one another as shown in FIG. 4, or the flanges may bepositioned so that the confronting faces of the flanges make contactwith one another within the sleeve. Depending upon the particular designof the flanges, the flanges can either be spaced from one another withinthe sleeve or can be placed in contact with one another as described.For angular adjustment between the flanges, the diameter of the sealingrings 50 also determine the extent to which the fluid conduit memberscan angularly extend away from the coupling yet can still maintain aseal. Normally, the larger the sealing rings 50 are, the greater angulardisplacement which can be achieved with the fluid conveying members yetstill ensuring a leak through path through the coupling.

Referring to FIG. 5, the hinge of the coupling assembly is illustratedwhich includes a pair of hinge plates 56 attached to their respectivecoupling halves as by rivets 58. Each of the hinge plates 56 includecurved projections 60 and integral hinge sections 62. The hinge sections62 are then joined by a hinge pin 64 extending longitudinally throughthe continuous opening formed by the joined hinge sections 62. As alsoshown in this figure, each bonding wire 22 has its free ends securedwithin the curved projections 60. One of the curved projections 60 isbroken away to see the free end of a bonding wire secured therein.

Now also referring to FIGS. 3-8, additional structural details of thepresent invention are illustrated. Referring first to FIG. 3, a mountingplate 32 is connected to each of the coupling halves and is mounted asby rivets 34. Overlying each mounting plate 32 and also secured to thecoupling halves by the rivets 34 is a spring member 36, best seen inFIGS. 8 and 8 a. Spring member 36 has a base section which overlies themounting plate 32, and a pair of spring fingers 38 which protrude awayfrom the base section. Again referring to FIG. 8, each of the springfingers 38 are routed underneath support bar 42 and then the free ends54 of the spring fingers 38 are inserted through respective openings 44formed on the corresponding engagement members 30. FIG. 8 also shows oneof the engagement members 30 as partially broken away along with theportion of the support bar 42 in order to view the manner in whichspring finger 38 attaches to the engagement member. FIG. 8 a illustratesa spring member 36 and an engagement member 30 individually to betterview their construction. Also referring to FIG. 9, it can be seen thatthe spring fingers 38 have a bend or crease 51 located at the point atwhich the spring fingers 38 protrude through the openings 44. The springfingers 38 then extend substantially coextensively with the uppersurfaces 52 of the engagement members. The spring fingers 38 remainattached to the respective engagement members 30 by having their freeends 54 extend through openings 44 and along surfaces 52.

Each support bar 42 extends through and between a pair of bar supports40 which are spaced perpendicular extensions of the mounting plates 32.Each support bar 42 has an enlarged head and tip which keeps the supportbar mounted in place. As best seen in FIGS. 8 and 8 a, the engagementmembers 30 are generally channel shaped structures having fixed endswith a pair of openings 43 formed therethrough which receive thecorresponding support bar 42. Accordingly, the engagement members arerotatable about their support bars.

FIG. 8 also illustrates the manner in which the bonding wires 22traverse through the face sections 15 of the coupling halves. As shown,the bonding wires are bent at approximately a 90° angle at the faces 15,and then are bent again so that they traverse longitudinally across thecoupling and underneath the mounting plates 32. The bonding wires 22then extend between both of the grooves 29 on each coupling half.Accordingly, electrical conductivity is maintained through the couplingassembly by a bonding wire on each coupling half that electricallyinterconnects both flanges.

Referring now specifically to FIG. 9, directional arrows A are providedto illustrate the direction in which the engagement members 30 mayrotate during coupling and uncoupling. Because of the spring fingers 38,the engagement members 30 are biased to resist rotation. The further theengagement members are rotated upwardly according to the view of FIG. 9,the greater the biasing force provided by spring fingers 38. Springfingers 38 therefore act as leaf-type springs which resist rotationabout an axis defined by their respective support bars 42.

Now referring sequentially to FIGS. 9-12, these figures illustrate themanner in which the engagement members operate to place the couplingassembly in a locked or closed position. First, the flanges of the fluidlines to be connected are placed within one coupling half, and the othercoupling half is rotated so that the engagement members 30 interweave inthe manner shown in FIG. 3. As the other coupling half is furtherrotated, the first part of the engagement members which contact thesupport bars 42 are cam portions 46 which have sloping surfaces inrelation to the orientation in which they strike the support bars 42. Asshown in FIGS. 10 and 11, as the other coupling half is yet furtherrotated, the cam portions 46 slide upon the support bars 42 until thetrailing edges 47 of the engagement members reach the top edge of thesupport bars. As the other coupling half is yet further rotated, theengagement members then snap to their locked position over the supportpins due to the biasing forces of the spring fingers 38 whereby thesupport bars are received in the locking grooves 48. In the locked orclosed position shown at FIG. 12, each of the engagement members arelocked over their corresponding support bars.

If it is necessary to unlock the coupling assembly, the user simplyrotates the free ends 55 of the engagement members in the unlockingdirection, which in the view of the FIGS. 9-12 requires rotation of theends 54 of the engagement members in an upward fashion. Inadvertentuncoupling is prevented because such uncoupling requires simultaneousmanipulation of all of the engagement members. Although four engagementmembers are shown, it is still within the scope and spirit of thepresent invention to provide a coupling with a minimum of two engagementmembers, or more than four engagement members.

The coupling assembly of the present invention as well as the annularsleeve 68 may be optionally coated with any number of different types ofconductive coatings. The types of coatings which could be used mayinclude, without limitation, electroless nickel, nickel Teflon, or anyother suitable coatings. These conductive coatings provide an additionalmeans by which conductivity is maintained across the coupling assemblythereby further eliminating the possibility of an electrostatic chargebuildup. Metal to metal contact of the flanges, sleeve 68, and thecoupling creates an electrical path for preventing an electrostaticcharge.

By the foregoing, numerous advantages of the present invention arereadily apparent. A simple yet reliable coupling assembly is providedwhich not only has redundant locking features, but also has a bondingjumper feature which is incorporated with the locking feature therebyeliminating additional steps for placing the bonding jumper inoperation. The particular manner in which the bonding wires traverseacross the coupling halves also ensures that there are multiple pointsof contact of the bonding wire with the flanges of the fluid conveyingmembers.

Because the components of the coupling assembly are externally mounted,the coupling assembly is easily inspected to determine properpositioning and functioning.

The unique arrangement of the spring fingers incorporated within theengagement members provides a locking means which prevents inadvertentuncoupling of the coupling assembly.

The bonding wires provide a reliable means to ensure conductivity acrossthe coupling. Additionally, the bonding wires with their multiple pointsof contact on the flanges and coupling thereby enhance overallconductivity across the coupling. The electrically conductive coatingsadd yet another feature to the present invention which allows it toenhance conductivity thereby increasing its capacity to dissipate anelectrical charge.

The foregoing invention has been described with respect to a preferredembodiment. However, various other changes and modifications may be madewithin the spirit and scope of the invention.

1. A coupling assembly for releasably interconnecting confronting endsof first and second fluid carrying conduit members wherein each has anannular flange fixedly attached to each of the confronting ends, saidcoupling assembly comprising: a sleeve for circumferentially surroundingthe flanges; a pair of arcuate coupling halves pivotally joined at firstadjacent ends for circumferentially surrounding said sleeve, eachcoupling half further having a web section, opposing transverse edgesand a second end; at least one bonding wire externally mounted to one ofsaid coupling halves, said bonding wire having free ends secured to thecoupling half proximate said first adjacent ends, said bonding wireextending around both said transverse edges of said coupling half andsaid bonding wire spanning said web; at least a pair of engagementmembers, one engagement member of said pair of engagement members beingmounted externally to each said second end of said coupling halves;means mounted on each coupling half for securing said engagement membersto their respective coupling halves; and means incorporated on eachcoupling half for biasing a corresponding engagement member, whereinsaid coupling halves are rotated to circumferentially surround saidsleeve, and said engagement members are placed to engage said means forsecuring thereby placing said coupling assembly in a locked position. 2.A coupling assembly, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said means forsecuring includes a pair of support bars, one support bar being mountedon each second end of said pair of coupling halves, and each saidsupport bars extending longitudinally across said web section.
 3. Acoupling assembly, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: each said engagementmember includes a first end rotatably mounted to said means for securingand a second end including a locking groove which engages said means forsecuring when said coupling assembly is in the locked position.
 4. Acoupling assembly, as claimed in claim 3, wherein: each said engagementmember further includes a cam portion which contacts said means forsecuring as said coupling halves are rotated to place the couplingassembly in the locked position.
 5. A coupling assembly, as claimed inclaim 1, wherein: each coupling half includes a pair of annular ribsproximate said transverse edges thereby defining a pair of grooves forreceiving corresponding portions of said bonding wire therein.
 6. Acoupling assembly, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said biasing meansincludes at least one spring finger which attaches to a correspondingengagement member and biases said engagement member for rotation aboutsaid means for securing.
 7. A coupling assembly, as claimed in claim 1,wherein: each coupling half includes a hinge section attached at saidfirst end thereof, and said hinge section further includes a curvedprojection integral with said hinge section for receiving and securingone free end of said bonding wire.
 8. A coupling assembly, as claimed inclaim 1, wherein: said coupling assembly is coated with an electricallyconductive coating.
 9. A coupling assembly, as claimed in claim 7,wherein: each said hinge section is externally mounted to said couplinghalves.
 10. In combination with a pair of fluid carrying conduitmembers, a coupling assembly for releasably securing confronting ends ofthe conduit members, said combination comprising: a sleeve forcircumferentially surrounding and sealing said confronting ends therein;a pair of arcuate coupling halves pivotally joined at first adjacentends, said coupling halves each further having opposing transverseedges, a web section interconnecting said opposing transverse edges, andsecond ends; a pair of bonding wires, one bonding wire mounted to eachcoupling half, each bonding wire traversing along each transverse edgeand across said web section so to make a contact at multiple pointsalong said confronting ends of the conduit members, and each saidbonding wire spanning its corresponding coupling half thereby forming acontinuous conductive path across said coupling; at least a pair ofengagement members rotatably mounted to corresponding support barssecured proximate said second ends of said coupling halves; and a springmember attached to each engagement member for providing a biasing forceto resist rotation of each engagement member about its correspondingsupport bar, wherein said coupling halves are rotated tocircumferentially surround said sleeve, and said engagement members areplaced to engage the support bar on the opposing coupling half therebyplacing said coupling in a locked position.
 11. The combination, asclaimed in claim 10, wherein: each engagement member further includes alocking groove formed thereon which receives the support bar when thecoupling is in the locked position.
 12. The combination, as claimed inclaim 10, wherein: each engagement member further includes a cam portionwhich contacts the support bar as the coupling halves are rotated toplace the coupling in the locked position.
 13. The combination, asclaimed in claim 10, wherein: each coupling half includes a pair ofannular ribs proximate said transverse edges defining a pair of groovesfor receiving corresponding portions of said bonding wire therein.
 14. Acoupling assembly for releasably interconnecting confronting ends offirst and second fluid carrying conduit members wherein each has anannular flange fixedly attached to each of the confronting ends, saidcoupling assembly comprising: a sleeve for circumferentially surroundingand sealing said confronting ends therein; a pair of arcuate couplinghalves pivotally joined at first adjacent ends, said coupling halveseach having opposing transverse edges and second ends; a pair of bondingwires, one bonding wire mounted to each coupling half, each bonding wiretraversing along each transverse edge so to make a contact at multiplepoints along said confronting ends of the conduit members, and each saidbonding wire spanning its corresponding coupling half thereby forming acontinuous conductive path across said coupling; at least a pair ofengagement members rotatably mounted to corresponding support barssecured proximate said second ends of said coupling halves; a springmember attached to each engagement member for providing a biasing forceto resist rotation of each engagement member about its correspondingsupport bar, wherein said coupling halves are rotated tocircumferentially surround said sleeve and said engagement members areplaced to engage the support bar on the opposing coupling half therebyplacing said coupling in a locked position; and each coupling halfincludes a hinge section attached at said first end thereof, and saidhinge section further includes an integral curved projection forreceiving and securing one free end of said bonding wire.
 15. A couplingassembly, as claimed in claim 10, wherein: said coupling halves arecoated with an electrically conductive coating.
 16. A method ofreleasably interconnecting confronting ends of first and second fluidcarrying conduit members wherein an annular flange is attached to eachof the confronting ends and has a sealing ring therearound, a sleevecircumferentially surrounding the sealing rings, and a pair ofsymmetrical arcuate coupling halves pivotally joined together at firstadjacent ends and being rotatable to surround said sleeve and flanges tobring second ends of said coupling halves to a locking position whereineach second end of each coupling half includes at least one engagementmember rotatably mounted over an opposed support bar and said engagementmember being biased to resist rotation about the opposed support bareach coupling half having a bonding wire, each bonding wire extendingaround opposing transverse edges of each of the coupling halves suchthat the bonding wires are placed in contact with metallic portions ofthe fluid carrying conduits, and each bonding wire extendingperpendicular with respect to said transverse edges thus bridging a webof its corresponding coupling half thereby creating an electrical pathjoining the fluid carrying conduits, said method comprising the stepsof: rotating the second ends of the coupling halves together; contactingeach engagement member against an opposing support bar of the othercoupling half; further rotating the second ends of the coupling halvestogether to overcome the biasing forces placed on each engagementmember; and engaging the support bars within locking grooves of each ofthe engagement members thereby placing the coupling in a lockedposition.
 17. (Canceled)
 18. A coupling assembly for releasablyinterconnecting confronting ends of first and second fluid carryingconduit members wherein each conduit member has an annular flangefixedly attached to each of the confronting ends, said coupling assemblycomprising: a sleeve for circumferentially surrounding the flanges; apair of arcuate coupling halves pivotally joined at first adjacent endsfor circumferentially surrounding said sleeve, each coupling halffurther having a web opposing transverse edges, and a second end; meansfor creating an electrically conductive path across the couplingassembly, said means for creating being externally mounted to at leastone of said coupling halves, said means for creating extending aroundboth said transverse edges of the at least one coupling half, and saidmeans for creating spanning across said web, said means for creatingbeing a unitary and continuous member; at least a pair of biasedengagement members, one engagement member of said at least a pair ofengagement members being mounted externally to each said second end ofsaid coupling halves, said engagement members being positionable in alocked position thereby securing the confronting ends of the fluidcarrying conduit members.
 19. A coupling assembly for releasablyinterconnecting confronting ends of first and second fluid carryingconduit members wherein each conduit member has an annular flangefixedly attached to each of the confronting ends, said coupling assemblycomprising: means for sealing the flanges in the coupling assembly, saidmeans for sealing circumferentially surrounding the flanges; a pair ofarcuate coupling halves pivotally joined at first adjacent ends forcircumferentially surrounding said means for sealing, each coupling halffurther having a web, opposing transverse edges, and a second end; meansfor creating an electrically conductive path across the couplingassembly, said means for creating being externally mounted to at leastone of said coupling halves, said means for creating extending aroundboth said transverse edges of the at least one coupling half, and saidmeans for creating spanning across said web, said means for creatingbeing a unitary and continuous member; at least a pair of biasedengagement members, one engagement member of said at least a pair ofengagement members being mounted externally to each said second end ofsaid coupling halves, said engagement members being positionable in alocked position thereby securing the confronting ends of the fluidcarrying conduit members.
 20. A coupling assembly for releasablyinterconnecting confronting ends of first and second fluid carryingconduit members said coupling assembly comprising: a sleeve; a pair ofarcuate coupling halves pivotally joined at first adjacent ends forcircumferentially surrounding said sleeve, each coupling half furtherhaving a web section, opposing transverse edges and a second end; atleast one bonding wire externally mounted to one of said couplinghalves, said bonding wire having free ends secured to the coupling halfproximate said first adjacent ends, said bonding wire extending aroundboth said transverse edges of said coupling half and said bonding wirespanning said web; at least a pair of engagement members, one engagementmember of said pair of engagement members mounted externally to eachsaid second end of said coupling halves; and means incorporated on eachcoupling half for biasing a corresponding engagement member, whereinsaid coupling halves are rotated to circumferentially surround saidsleeve, and said engagement members are placed in an engaging positionthereby placing said coupling assembly in a locked position.
 21. Acoupling assembly for releasably interconnecting confronting ends offirst and second fluid carrying conduit members said coupling assemblycomprising: means for sealing the confronting ends in the couplingassembly, said means for sealing circumferentially surrounding theconfronting ends; a pair of arcuate coupling halves pivotally joined atfirst adjacent ends for circumferentially surrounding said means forsealing, each coupling half further having opposing transverse edges anda second end; means for creating an electrically conductive path acrossthe coupling assembly, said means for creating being externally mountedto at least one of said coupling halves, said means for creatingextending circumferentially around said at least one coupling half andextending transversely across said at least one coupling half said meansfor creating being a unitary and continuous member; at least a pair ofbiased engagement members, one engagement member of said at least a pairof engagement members being mounted externally to each said second endof said coupling halves, said engagement members being positionable in alocked position thereby securing the confronting ends of the fluidcarrying conduit members.
 22. A coupling assembly for releasablyinterconnecting confronting ends of first and second fluid carryingconduit members, said coupling assembly comprising: a pair of arcuatecoupling halves pivotally joined at first adjacent ends forcircumferentially surrounding said conduit members, each coupling halffurther having a web, opposing transverse edges and a second end; atleast one bonding wire externally mounted to one of said couplinghalves, said bonding wire extending around both said transverse edges ofsaid coupling half and said bonding wire spanning said web; at least apair of engagement members, one engagement member of said pair ofengagement members being mounted externally to each said second end ofsaid coupling halves; means mounted on each coupling half for securingsaid engagement members to their respective coupling halves; and meansincorporated on each coupling half for biasing a correspondingengagement member, wherein said coupling halves are rotated tocircumferentially surround said conduit members, and said engagementmembers are placed to engage said means for securing thereby placingsaid coupling assembly in a locked position.
 23. A coupling assembly, asclaimed in claim 22, wherein: said means for securing includes a pair ofsupport bars, one support bar being mounted on each second end of saidpair of coupling halves, and each said support bars extendinglongitudinally across said web section.
 24. A coupling assembly, asclaimed in claim 22, wherein: each said engagement member includes afirst end rotatably mounted to said means for securing and a second endincluding a locking groove which engages said means for securing whensaid coupling assembly is in the locked position.
 25. A couplingassembly, as claimed in claim 22, wherein: each said engagement memberfurther includes a cam portion which contacts said means for securing assaid coupling halves are rotated to place the coupling assembly in thelocked position.
 26. A coupling assembly, as claimed in claim 22,wherein: each coupling half includes a pair of annular ribs proximatesaid transverse edges thereby defining a pair of grooves for receivingcorresponding portions of said bonding wire therein.
 27. A couplingassembly, as claimed in claim 22, wherein: said biasing means includesat least one spring finger which attaches to a corresponding engagementmember and biases said engagement member for rotation about said meansfor securing.
 28. A coupling assembly, as claimed in claim 22, wherein:each coupling half includes a hinge section attached at said first endthereof, and said hinge section further includes a curved projectionintegral with said hinge section for receiving and securing one free endof said bonding wire.
 29. A coupling assembly, as claimed in claim 22,wherein: said coupling assembly is coated with an electricallyconductive coating.
 30. A coupling assembly, as claimed in claim 28,wherein: each said hinge section is externally mounted to said couplinghalves.
 31. In combination with a pair of fluid carrying conduitmembers, a coupling assembly for releasably securing confronting ends ofthe conduit members, said combination comprising: a pair of arcuatecoupling halves pivotally joined at first adjacent ends, said couplinghalves each further having opposing transverse edges, a webinterconnecting said opposing transverse edges, and second ends; a pairof bonding wires, one bonding wire mounted to each coupling half, eachbonding wire traversing along each transverse edge and across said webso to make a contact at multiple points along said confronting ends ofthe conduit members, and each said bonding wire spanning itscorresponding coupling half thereby forming a continuous conductive pathacross said coupling; at least a pair of engagement members rotatablymounted to corresponding support bars secured proximate said second endsof said coupling halves; and a spring member attached to each engagementmember for providing a biasing force to resist rotation of eachengagement member about its corresponding support bar, wherein saidcoupling halves are rotated to circumferentially surround saidconfronting ends of the conduit members, and said engagement members areplaced to engage the support bar on the opposing coupling half therebyplacing said coupling in a locked position.
 32. The combination, asclaimed in claim 31, wherein: each engagement member further includes alocking groove formed thereon which receives the support bar when thecoupling is in the locked position.
 33. The combination, as claimed inclaim 31, wherein: each engagement member further includes a cam portionwhich contacts the support bar as the coupling halves are rotated toplace the coupling in the locked position.
 34. The combination, asclaimed in claim 31, wherein: each coupling half includes a pair ofannular ribs proximate said transverse edges defining a pair of groovesfor receiving corresponding portions of said bonding wire therein. 35.The combination, as claimed in claim 31, wherein: each coupling halfincludes a hinge section attached at said first end thereof, and saidhinge section further includes an integral curved projection forreceiving and securing one free end of said bonding wire.
 36. A couplingassembly, as claimed in claim 31, wherein: said coupling halves arecoated with an electrically conductive coating.
 37. A coupling assemblyfor releasably interconnecting confronting ends of first and secondfluid carrying conduit members, said coupling assembly comprising: apair of arcuate coupling halves pivotally joined at first adjacent endsfor circumferentially surrounding said conduit members, each couplinghalf further having a web, opposing transverse edges, and a second end;means for creating an electrically conductive path across the couplingassembly, said means for creating being externally mounted to at leastone of said coupling halves, said means for creating extending aroundboth said transverse edges of the at least one coupling half, and saidmeans for creating spanning across said web, said means for creatingbeing a unitary and continuous member; at least a pair of biasedengagement members, one engagement member of said at least a pair ofengagement members being mounted externally to each said second end ofsaid coupling halves, said engagement members being positionable in alocked position thereby securing the confronting ends of the fluidcarrying conduit members.
 38. (Canceled)
 39. A coupling assembly forreleasably interconnecting confronting ends of first and second fluidcarrying conduit members said coupling assembly comprising: a pair ofarcuate coupling halves pivotally joined at first adjacent ends forcircumferentially surrounding said conduit members, each coupling halffurther having opposing transverse edges and a second end; means forcreating an electrically conductive path across the coupling assembly,said means for creating being externally mounted to at least one of saidcoupling halves, said means for creating extending circumferentiallyaround said at least one coupling half and extending transversely acrosssaid at least one coupling half, said means for creating being a unitaryand continuous member; at least a pair of biased engagement members, oneengagement member of said at least a pair of engagement members beingmounted externally to each said second end of said coupling halves, saidengagement members being positionable in a locked position therebysecuring the confronting ends of the fluid carrying conduit members. 40.A coupling assembly for releasably interconnecting confronting ends offirst and second fluid carrying conduit members, said coupling assemblycomprising: a pair of arcuate coupling halves pivotally joined at firstadjacent ends for circumferentially surrounding said confronting ends ofsaid first and second fluid carrying conduit members; at least onebonding wire externally mounted to one of said coupling halves, saidbonding wire extending circumferentially with respect to one of saidfluid carrying conduit members; at least a pair of engagement members,one engagement member of said pair of engagement members being mountedexternally to each said coupling halves; means mounted on each couplinghalf for securing said engagement members to their respective couplinghalves; and a spring member attached to each engagement member forproviding a biasing force to resist rotation of said engagement membersabout their respective means for securing, each said spring memberincluding a base section mounted to the respective coupling half, and anintegral spring finger protruding away from the base section and securedto the corresponding engagement member.